Ira Stanford, Sr.

Lawtell - A Mass of Christian Burial for Ira Joseph Stanford, Sr. will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, 2017, in the St. Bridget Catholic Church in Lawtell. Reverend Father Daniel Picard will celebrate the Mass. Rite of Committal and interment will follow in the St. Bridget Cemetery in Lawtell. The Readings for the Mass will be done by Emily Turner and Alex Stanford. The musical selections will be provided by Mona Prejean.

Ira, age 81, was a native and a longtime resident of Opelousas. He passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at Opelousas General Health System. He previously worked in the oilfield as a Driller for Comet Drilling for several years. He was a cattle farmer most of his life and also raised race horses. He also enjoyed watching the horse races. He cherished spending time with his family and friends especially his grandchildren. He also was the babysitter for most of his grandchildren. He was a parishioner at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Lawtell and Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Opelousas. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Angie Castille Stanford of Opelousas; two sons, Ira J. "Bo" Stanford, Jr. and wife, Catherine of Opelousas; and Jason P. Stanford and wife, Angela of Opelousas; three daughters, Priscilla Bertrand and husband, Lenard of Opelousas; Sandra Taylor and husband, Mark of Opelousas; and Melinda Lyons and husband, Tony of Church Point; four brothers, Robert Stanford and wife, Cheryl of Opelousas; Willie Stanford of Opelousas; Joe Stanford of Scott; and Wayne Stanford and wife, Geneva of Port Barre; three sisters, Ruby Smith of Lake Charles; Tina Cherry of Scott; and Debbie Ball of Missouri; 15 grandchildren, Sean Bertrand and wife, Allison, Chad Bertrand and wife Erin, Ashley Guidroz and husband, Brad, Emily Turner and husband, Justin, MAT Trahan, Brandon Stanford and wife, Karen, Dustin Stanford and wife Dana, Alex Stanford and fiance' Charlie Soileau, Hannah Leblanc and husband, Paul, Trey Melancon, Jenea Guillot and husband, Brandon, Joel Stanford and wife, Starr, Jacob Stanford, Katie Stanford, and Michael Jones; and 25 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Stanford and Edna Lavergne Stanford; four brothers, Leroy Stanford, Dale Stanford, Sidney Stanford, and Joseph Stanford; and three sisters, Emma Vidrine, Thelma Stanford, and Viola Stanford.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Monday, July 3, 2017 at the Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas. On Tuesday, visitation will continue from 9:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. A Rosary will be recited on Monday at 6:30 p.m. in funeral home.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Sean Bertrand, Chad Bertrand, Brandon Stanford, Dustin Stanford, Alex Stanford, Trey Melancon, MAT Trahan, Joel Stanford, and Jacob Stanford.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the ICU staff at Opelousas General Health System for their exceptional medical care which was provided and to Mr. Link Savoie and wife, Maggie for their wonderful care and support given to Mr. Ira.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337-942-2638) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Visitation

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Monday, July 3, 2017
2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Service

Rosary

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home Chapel
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Monday, July 3, 2017
6:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial

St. Bridget Catholic Church
3933 Hwy. 35
Lawtell, LA  70550
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
3:00 p.m.

Cemetery

St. Bridget Catholic Church Cemetery
3933 Hwy. 35
Lawtell, LA  70550